Rupert Murdoch: The Dynasty Unveiled – A Netflix Documentary Review
Netflix’s new four-part documentary, *Dynasty*, draws inevitable comparisons to the HBO drama *Succession*. Both explore the dynamics of a powerful media family and the scramble for control, but *Dynasty* ultimately presents a more sobering reality – a depressing chronicle of nepotism that leaves viewers less than enthralled.
As New York Times writer Jim Rutenberg aptly puts it, “To explain the Murdochs, you have to understand the television show *Succession*.” The documentary skillfully parallels Rupert Murdoch’s children – Prudence, Lachlan, James, and Elisabeth – with their fictional counterparts, sparking immediate intrigue. However, unlike the captivating drama of *Succession*, *Dynasty* feels exhaustive rather than exhilarating.
Rupert Murdoch in 2018. Image via Wikimedia Commons.
Without direct participation from the Murdoch family, the documentary relies on insightful analysis from veteran Murdoch journalists, extensive archival footage, and a brief but pointed commentary from Hugh Grant, who labels Rupert Murdoch “a proper danger to liberal democracies.” This allows for a comprehensive examination of Murdoch’s ascent to media dominance and his influence as a political kingmaker.
A History of Influence and Controversy
The documentary meticulously details Murdoch’s reshaping of publications like the *News of the World* and the *New York Post* towards a “populist, right-leaning” stance. It highlights his endorsement of Ronald Reagan and the subsequent deregulation that enabled the launch of Fox News. The series doesn’t shy away from Murdoch’s political maneuvering, including his initial dismissal of Donald Trump as a “fucking idiot” before ultimately aligning with him as Trump’s presidential ambitions took shape. The Guardian provides further insight into the documentary’s exploration of these complex relationships.
The scandals that plagued News of the World (phone hacking) and Fox News (sexual harassment) are also thoroughly examined, with former employees offering damning accounts of the internal culture. Stories like Rebekah Brooks’s forceful editing style – tossing articles aside with a dismissive “This is shit!” – paint a vivid picture of the ruthless pursuit of headlines.
Beyond the professional sphere, the documentary reveals glimpses into Murdoch’s personal life – his competitive Monopoly games, his observations of reading habits on the London Underground, and his often-distant relationship with his children. A startling claim regarding his second wife’s involvement in a fatal car accident adds another layer of intrigue, though corroborating evidence remains elusive.
The Succession Struggle
The core of the documentary revolves around the power struggle among Murdoch’s children. A secret plan by Rupert and Lachlan to alter a family trust, effectively granting Lachlan control after Rupert’s death, is revealed. Dubbed “Project Family Harmony,” this move aimed to prevent James Murdoch, with his more liberal leanings, from shifting the company’s political direction. This revelation underscores the real-world consequences of this intensely personal conflict.
The ensuing lawsuit exposes Rupert Murdoch’s controlling nature, with him actively feeding questions to his lawyer during James’s interrogation – questions designed to undermine James’s accomplishments and loyalty.
However, the documentary spends considerable time detailing the career trajectories of Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James, while Prudence remains largely in the background. This focus on promotions and demotions feels repetitive and fails to provide a deeper understanding of the individuals involved. The animated board game used to illustrate the siblings’ movements feels contrived and ultimately reinforces the sense of their limited agency.
Ultimately, *Dynasty* highlights the lack of control the Murdoch children have over their own destinies. Any attempt to break free from their father’s influence is met with a new job offer or the acquisition of their independent ventures, effectively keeping them tethered to the family empire. This lack of agency makes the “real-life *Succession*” narrative less compelling, especially given the predictable outcome – Rupert Murdoch rarely fails to get his way.
*Dynasty: The Murdochs* is available on Netflix now.
